adjective
- of, relating to, or being a parasite that lives on the outside of a host organism's body
Usage: biology term; commonly used in medical and veterinary contexts
Examples
- Fleas are ectoparasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds.
- The dog suffered from an ectoparasitic infection caused by mites.
- Lice are ectoparasitic organisms commonly found in human hair.
- Veterinarians often treat ectoparasitic conditions in pets with topical medications.
- Ticks are ectoparasitic arachnids that attach to the skin of their hosts.